Swiss Long Course Championships: Ivana Gabrilo Downs Swiss Record, Dominick Meichtry Shines
GENEVA, Switzerland, March 31. ALONG with the bulk of the world, Switzerland kicked off its long course national championships today with the meet beginning in Geneva.
Ivana Gabrilo dipped under the Swiss record in the women's 100 back with a 1:03.13. That effort cleared the 1:03.18 set by Martina van Berkel in 2009. Laetitia Perez finished second in 1:04.03, while Florence Sigg earned third in 1:05.67. Perez later won the women's 50 fly in 27.91 with Maria Ugolkova (28.02) and Danielle Villars (28.05) rounding out the top three.
Dominik Meichtry jumped to 14th in the world rankings in the men's 400 free with a winning time of 3:51.73. He finished about a second back of his national record of 3:50.51 set in 2008. Alexandre Liess finished second in 3:55.14, while Stefan Sigrist placed third in 3:57.27.
Lukas Rauftlin captured the men's 100 back title in 56.20, while Flori Lang placed second in 57.04. Jonathan Massacand finished third in 57.14. Christian Schneiter earned the men's 50 fly crown in 24.85. Nico Van Duijn (25.14) and Daniel Rast (25.17) finished second and third.
Marina Ribi claimed the women's 200 breast title in 2:33.00, while Jennifer Bovay, 15, placed second in 2:34.34. Stephanie Spahn wound up third in 2:36.41. Yannick Kaser followed with a 2:16.19 to win the men's 200 breast. Colin Bridier touched second in 2:18.70, while Kilian Bossard placed third in 2:19.76.
Stephanie Eisenring touched out Julia Hassler, 4:17.68 to 4:17.75, for the women's 400 free title. Annick van Westendorp picked up third in 4:24.50.